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CSCI Newsletter

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Message from Michele > 2019 Awards > Project Spotlight > Associate Milestones > Kudos! > Just for Fun >

Message from Michele

I hope everyone had a fantastic holiday season and a big welcome to 2020! We have lots of exciting things happening to start the new year. First, we are introducing the new 401(k) company match. Hopefully by now everyone has established their accounts and/or had their questions answered, but if not, please reach out and let us know. Second, we are moving our Indianapolis-based corporate office at the end of this month! We have loved our current location (which we’ve been at since 2013); however, space has grown tight and we realized it’s time to find a new, bigger home. After a period of searching, we found an excellent spot less than one mile away, in the historic Fort Benjamin Harrison district. Be sure to check out our social media accounts to see pictures of the new place as we complete the build-out with a modern look and feel. Third, we are implementing a new performance review process. It allows for enhanced feedback from both the associate and manager perspectives and facilitates the layout and discussion of career goals. Once your review is complete, please let us know what you think! In other news, we have been busy with lots of contract renewals and submission of new bids. Due to a change in the federal regulations which define business sizes, we once again qualify as small within the IT category, so we are excited to take full advantage of this sales strategy in 2020!

Michele

2019 Awards

To close out another successful year, CSCI associates across the country got together to celebrate the holidays and recognize our 2019 Project Team of the Year and Star Performers.

As a refresher, the Project Team of the Year award is presented to the team that accomplishes contract requirements in a way that consistently exceeds expectations. Most of our growth is based on the outstanding efforts of our teams. When we do a great job for a client, it triggers a domino effect: (1) they tell others about us, (2) they renew contracts with us, and (3) they look to us first as a partner when new business needs are identified. Time and again, customer service has proven to be the single most important factor in CSCI’s expansion.

So, without further ado (drumroll please), the 2019 Project Team of the Year goes to our amazing team supporting the Defense Cash Accountability System (DCAS) at the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS)! CSCI began supporting DCAS in 2012 and, thanks to the team’s outstanding performance, has had its prime contract renewed 3 times. Of all our project teams, the DCAS team is the most experienced within a specific system; each team member possesses 17 years on average. But, this project hasn’t been without challenges, making the team’s accomplishments even more impressive:

  • The team is 100% remote and does not work physically near their customer(s) or each other. Yet, through cross-collaboration and synergy, they have formed a highly effective, customer-focused unit as evidenced by the numerous “Atta-boys” received from both their client and system customers.
  • DFAS’ Program Management for this project has changed 3 times since 2012, but the team has won them all over! They consistently receive “Exceptional” ratings on their Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) evaluation. CPARS ratings are the contractor equivalent to student report cards and are therefore very important, because new customers often reference them when evaluating CSCI for new work.
  • DCAS was our first 8(a) contract up for renewal after our graduation from the program. It became the first contract we successfully transitioned to the STARS II contract vehicle, effectively setting precedence for all our other 8(a) contracts as they come up for renewal in the coming years.

We want to sincerely thank Tracy Aaker, Sean Culbertson, Charlotte Peacock, Gary Rhodes, Audrey Richmond, Craig Stairs, Angie White and Barry Worley, who comprise our DCAS team, for your dedication to excellence year after year. You have set the bar high – just where we like it!

 

Our other award category is the Star Performer, which recognizes associates who consistently exhibit their commitment to their client and CSCI’s success throughout the year. Star Performers receive ‘Atta Boys’ from clients/peers, take ownership of their work, are accountable, and strive to exceed expectations in all aspects of their job. For 2019, the following associates received the Star Performer award:

  • Chris Wulff
  • Brett Young
  • Bruce Bennett
  • Ed Strube
  • Elliot Simon
  • Evan Burgun
  • Joseph Kaiser
  • Josh Haferd
  • Jummy Abereoje
  • Kathy Casamento
  • Katie Bildhauser
  • Osepia Weathers
  • Preston Brown
  • Robyn Hardy
  • Sean Culbertson

Thank you for your hard work and the enthusiasm that you bring to all that you do. Congratulations on your outstanding achievements!

Project Spotlight - DPAA FIAR

Meet Zach and Evan, our support team for the Defense Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Accounting Agency (DPAA). DPAA is charged with providing the fullest possible accounting for our nation’s missing personnel. The Agency’s investigative teams – composed of analysts, linguists, medics, and anthropologists – research archives, investigate leads, and conduct on-site reconnaissance. Then, its recovery teams – composed of forensic anthropologists and photographers, linguists, medics, communications technicians, and other specialists – perform on-site excavations around the world to locate clues and/or evidence. It can take months, even years, of planning and research before an actual excavation commences, and each excavation trip (there may be more than one) can last up to 65 days, digging 8-10 hours each day. With the largest forensics anthropological laboratory and the largest staff of forensic anthropologists and odontologists under one roof anywhere in the world, DPAA is working to account for more than 81,900 Americans that remain missing from World War II, the Korean War, the Cold War, and the Vietnam War.

Zach works in the National Capital Region, while Evan works in Hawaii at Joint Base Pearl Harbor. The team provides Financial Improvement Audit Readiness / Remediation (FIAR) support to the DPAA community. Major focuses include performing risk assessments, testing existing and implementing new internal controls, designing corrective actions and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to address deficiencies, assisting with financial audit requests, and supporting DPAA’s financial system, the Defense Agencies Initiative (DAI). Recently, the full team got together in Hawaii for work and shared a picture from their trip. We won’t lie – that sunshine, blue sky, and sparkling water are making those of us living in cold climates a little jealous!

Meet the Team!

Evan Hoffman

Evan started with CSCI in October of 2019. He began his career in public accounting, then transitioned to DoD financial management where he eventually relocated to Hawaii to support the Navy prior to joining the DPAA team. Originally from San Diego, Evan grew up and went to school in southern Oregon. He received his BBA in Accounting from the University of Portland.

Did you know…

– In his free time, Evan enjoys hiking, exploring the restaurant scene, and volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. He’s been to three Hawaiian Islands so far and plans to visit them all (there are eight main islands in total!).

– Biggest difference between Hawaii and mainland America? Evan says that “island time” is a real concept; the culture is truly chill and people love to just go with the flow. Sounds like an amazing place! So Evan, when can we visit?

Zach Burney

Zach joined CSCI in August of 2019. Prior to this, he worked as a financial analyst at DARPA and as part of the DAI Help Desk at WHS. He also spent four years on active duty in the Army and continues to serve in the National Guard. Growing up, Zach’s parents were Foreign Service Officers, which meant that the family moved to a new country every few years. He graduated from high school in South Korea and moved to Virginia prior to joining the military.

Did you know…

-Zach was born in Nashville, TN and has been a die-hard Titans fan his whole life!

-With his spare time, Zach runs his own personal training business. He’s a competitive powerlifter and loves to compete whenever he can!

Associate Milestones

Sean Culbertson

DFAS DCAS

Sean and Meghan got married on September 21st. Congratulations to the newlyweds!

 

Megan Fox

Corporate

Megan and Adam tied the knot on September 21st in Indianapolis, IN. Congratulations to the happy couple!

 

 

Doug Freeman

DLA DRAS2

Doug received his Security+ certification in December. Congratulations on your hard work and amazing accomplishment!

Towanna Smith

JSOC FIAR

Towanna’s family welcomed new baby niece, Kyrah, on September 5th (in North Carolina during Hurricane Dorian!). Her husband was also inducted into the East Carolina University Hall of Fame on November 1st. Congrats to the Hinton family for such an amazing fall season!

 

Kim Pearson

Corporate

The Pearson family welcomed Linh “Lynne” Nguyen to their home through their children’s school foreign exchange program. Linh is from Vietnam and loving her time in the United States!

 

Barry Worley

DFAS DCAS

Barry and his family were featured in a local magazine for an annual Christmas decorating event, The Inaugural Waycross Holiday Tour of Homes. The décor looks amazing!

Kudos!

Happy Clients, Happy Consultants!

We are so proud of your accomplishments. You are AMAZING and the kudos below prove it!

Standard Operations and Maintenance Army Research and Development System (SOMARDS) support team, Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS)

Emily Kieffer and Sean McCoy

Emily, the Project Manager, and Sean, the Account Executive, both received huge kudos from the Government client. The client said, “Throughout the years I’ve worked with many contractors on various systems,” but “none… performed at the level of professionalism, commitment, and team cohesion that I experienced with both Sean and Emily.” She added that “their high level of integrity made it easy for me to quickly build trust in them, enhancing our overall productivity” and “they truly are model employees and cornerstones of your company.”

Audit Readiness support team at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)

Rhonda Lane

Rhonda recently assisted one of the Agency offices to compile critical program data. The customer told Rhonda that she “literally changed my work life” and helped them to “do a better job at a programmatic level.”

Ruby Wilson

Ruby ensures all of DARPA’s quarterly Key Supporting Documentation (KSD) packages are accurate and error-free prior to submittal to OUSD(C). After evaluating their most recent submittal, OUSD(C) gave them a score of 100% and added that “DARPA’s KSD packages are second to none.”

Defense Departmental Reporting System (DDRS) team at DFAS

Angie Penn

A customer commended Angie for her “professionalism, grace, and amazing resolve” on a big account migration, adding that “I probably haven’t said it enough, but thank you for all the effort and hard work.”

Josh Haferd

Josh was recognized by the DFAS Director of Financial Reporting for his “impactful efforts” to successfully implement a System Change Request, sharing that “we are very appreciative of Josh and all the positive outcomes he brings.”

Reconciliation team at DFAS

Jennifer Bales

Jennifer was praised by a client for her work on a complex reconciliation. The client said, “Jennifer’s expertise and helpfulness is much appreciated!”

Brittany Herman

Brittany was voted “Most Productive” team member for the month of August. The team highlighted her constant willingness to “go above and beyond” and to answer questions “no matter how many.”

Defense Corporate Database/Defense Corporate Warehouse (DCD/DCW) team at DFAS

Scott Cupach

Scott provided technical support to a customer to resolve report errors and improve report performance. The customer was amazed by the enhancements Scott made: “One of the reports was taking 20 minutes to run and after Scott’s help, it now runs in 20 seconds!”

Scott also built a proof-of-concept within a tight deadline for a partner team. The customer said it was an “awesome effort” and that the team was “really impressed!”

Another customer expressed appreciation for Scott’s time to demonstrate a reporting tool, saying he did a “great job” and “answered our questions efficiently.”

Matt Linnehan

Matt was recognized by the client for his “consistency and attention to the details and upkeep items that keep our systems running” and ensuring that “projects keep on schedule,” emphasizing that these elements were “key to supporting a system like DCD/DCW.”

Defense Agencies Initiative (DAI) team at Joint Staff and National Defense University (JS & NDU)

Kelly Graf, Jummy Abereoje, Wendell Lopez, Colette Mosley

Kelly, Jummy, Wendell, and Colette may be a newly formed team, but the customer has already noticed their efforts, saying that the agency is “seeing differences” thanks to their work and that “you are doing great!”

Audit Readiness team at the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) (OUSD(C))

Brian Stanley

Brian’s work to connect with a team and facilitate knowledge transfer was commended by his client, who said he did “an excellent job” and appreciated that he took time “to develop a working relationship… so that synergies can be leveraged and duplication of efforts can be avoided.”

Jerrod McFarland

A customer shared that Jerrod was instrumental in “helping us successfully complete our first milestone” and his support “cannot be overemphasized,” adding that he “provides clarity, adds value, and optimizes results.”

Brett Young

Brett was recognized for his contribution to a customer agency’s internal control program, which was hailed as a benchmark for other agencies to follow. The customer said, “Thank you for your hard work. Good job!”

Brett Young and Marlon Hackett

A client shared that he “is very happy with the work” Brett and Marlon are doing, saying that he sees “great value in the subject matter expertise Marlon brings” and that “Brett’s ability to take information and communicate it effectively is great.”

General Fund Enterprise Business System (GFEBS) Help Desk team supporting the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology (ASA-ALT)

Aenoi Anderson, Ed Strube, Shatondrea Cox, Shannon Hicks

Aenoi, Ed, Shatondrea, and Shannon were thanked profusely by a customer, who stated that “they have been wonderful. Any ticket, calls or issues presented have been handled with promptness and professionalism” and “their hard work… has been outstanding.” Another customer shared: “Your amazing team has helped us so much!”

Defense Retired and Annuitant Pay System (DRAS) 2 team at the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)

Abby Savoy

Abby was recently recognized for her testing efforts. The customer expressed that she was excited and appreciative of Abby’s work to “get things moving!”

Abby also received praise for a conversion demonstration she recently gave to a leadership team. The client said she did an “outstanding” job, adding: “I think it gave the leadership a lot of confidence that conversion is in good hands with you.”

Financial and Accounting team at the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM)

Osepia Weathers

Osepia was honored with the distinguished Land of Lincoln American Society of Military Comptrollers (ASMC) Chapter Star Performer of the Quarter (October to December 2019) award!

Also, a client shared that Osepia “provided great support” during their fiscal year-end efforts, adding that “I do not believe we could have made it without her!” Another client said: “Thanks very much for your steadfast focus… all of last year!”

Osepia Weathers and Alison Collier

Osepia and Alison were acknowledged for their “outstanding contributions” in committing “perpetual focus and dedication” to understand their client’s “big issues and priority projects”. The client said: “I wanted to pass on my sincere thanks to you!”

DAI team at DFAS

John Merritt

Jon’s “hard work” to support an agency’s deployment to DAI was praised by the client, who expressed gratitude for his efforts “to explain issues and achieve solutions” and perform “extensive research to ensure the information was accurate.”

GFEBS-Sensitive Activities (SA) Support team at the U.S.  Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM)

Charryse Ellis, Erinn Coleman, Anthony Richards

The team recently prepared a comprehensive brief for their client. Upon review, the client shared that they were “wowed by the concise and informative array of key info” within the brief and added that the team was doing a “great job!”

Defense Joint Military Payment System (DJMS) support team at DFAS

Mark Brunner

Mark recently assisted the customer in solving a complicated problem with user accounts that involved cross-collaboration with another agency. The customer expressed his appreciation for Mark’s commitment to resolve the issue, saying “good job… I know this took a long time resolve.”

Enterprise Financial Information Services (EFIS) support team, DFAS

Margo McNamee

Margo received a shout-out from one of her customers for her support to upgrade a system’s Cognos application, including “keeping issues front and center, reminding us of things to remember, providing user training… and more. There’s no way we would’ve made it to this point without you!”

Managers’ Internal Control Program (MICP) support team, Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA)

Karli Hougland, Elliot Simon, Blake Wathen, Jeffrey Sue

The team was commended by their client for the “incredible job you are doing.” The client also shared that their work had contributed to the DMEA MICP being recognized as one “worthy of emulation” and the DoD Comptroller’s office had “requested sample documentation from DMEA to serve as examples.”

———————————————————————————————————————————————-


Just for Fun

Rick Derossett, Kathy Casamento and Reynold Blondin of our DFAS SOMARDS team started the New Year off right getting together for a team lunch in St. Louis, Missouri.

 

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